Workstations

What throughput can we expect from the AutoStore™ Ports?

While an accurate throughput may vary case-by-case due to various factors, the throughput of each Port is as follows:

ConveyorPort: designed to handle 240 Bins/hour per Port when located on a mezzanine level. When placed at the floor level, the throughput is 180 Bins/hour per Port.
CarouselPort: designed to handle 400 Bins/hour per Port.
SwingPort: works with Bin Lift to offer 170 Bins/hour per Port.
RelayPort: built to handle up to 650 Bins/hour per Port. The modularity of the Port allows you to add from two to six-Tab modules to buffer more Bins inside the Port.
PickUpPort: designed to handle up to 170 Bins/hour per Port at full height Grid (6 meters) with 5 seconds handling time. Maximum Bin throughput is subject to change depending on the height of the Grid.
FusionPort: built to handle up to 550 Bins/hr./Port.
FusionPort Staging: Up to 550 Bins/hr./Port for source Bin openings and 400 Bins/hr./Port for target Bin openings.

A simulation of the AutoStore design will provide the most accurate scope of the Port throughput.

Is it possible to install port frames for the RelayPort to prepare for future extensions?

It is not possible because the RelayPort frame is the actual Tab module, which contains a lot of electronics not possible to mount later on-site. It must arrive from Poland pre-assembled. To install a RelayPort, it is necessary to remove all columns in the area. Pre-cutting columns will not save much time with the installation of the Port. In general, installing a RelayPort is a relatively simple process.

Are the Ports interchangeable?

Yes. We work to ensure all AutoStore modules can work on existing or new systems. The only exception to this is the 425 mm Bin which can only be accessed and moved by R5+ and B1 due to height.

How safe are the Ports to operate?

All Port designs are made with operator safety in mind and are risk evaluated and different safety features are implemented to suit the specific need.

For example, the FusionPort, FusionPort Staging, SwingPort, and RelayPort have safety hatches around the Bin openings which will only open once Bins are ready for picking and close before Bins move.

The CarouselPort is equipped with a sensitive safety cover. If the safety cover is triggered, all movements at the Port stops.

What is the Bin Lift and how does it work?

The Bin Lift is a vertical lift for AutoStore Bins.

With the Bin Lift, the customer can either place the Port and operator on a different floor level than the Grid (G2P), or connect Grids located on two different floors (G2G). This lets customers optimize the use of different floor level spaces efficiently and extend Bin reachability.

G2P: Works in combination with the SwingPort to provide an extension to the Grid. It allows order picking to happen from a different floor than the Grid and enables flexibility in the existing space design.

G2G: Connects two Grids on different floors, enabling the flow of Bins between the Grids. It allows customers with multi-level warehouses to optimize their use of space and extend Bin reachability. The AutoStore Grid-to-Grid Port Manager ensures a smooth transfer of Bins between two separate Grids, however the customer’s warehouse management system (WMS) is responsible for maintaining and balancing Bins between two Grids.

Currently, the Bin Lift 2.0 is available in the EU, United States, Canada, and Japan.

We are working on adding more countries with the applicable product approvals. Note that it may take longer in some countries to get approval.